The DFW Car & Toy Museum has unveiled a significant addition to The Ron Sturgeon Collection: a 1933 MG K1/K3 Magnette Expanded Conversion that represents a pivotal moment in pre-war British motorsport history. This British Racing Green masterpiece combines historical authenticity with racing performance, serving as a tribute to MG's legendary achievements in international competition during the 1930s.
The MG K-series Magnette, launched in 1932, marked a substantial evolution for the British marque, featuring a 1,086cc inline-six engine with an advanced crossflow cylinder head that delivered enhanced power and refinement. While the K1 and K2 models established new standards for MG's production vehicles, it was the supercharged K3 racing variant that secured the company's racing legacy with a remarkable 1-2 class finish at the 1933 Mille Miglia, one of motorsport's most prestigious endurance events.
Chassis K0359 began its life as a K1 pillarless saloon when it left MG's Abingdon factory on December 7, 1933, originally finished in black with red interior and matching wheels. The vehicle underwent an extensive conversion to K3 specification by renowned UK MG specialist Blanton Jones, transforming it into an authentic representation of MG's most successful racing car. This conversion process included shortening the chassis to the correct 7'10 3/16" wheelbase and adding period-correct components that enhance both performance and historical accuracy.
The mechanical transformation incorporated Andre Hartford duplex friction dampers, 19-inch Rudge Whitworth knock-off wire wheels, Blockley tires, Rotax headlamps, and Brooklands-style aero windscreens. The heart of the vehicle remains its supercharged straight-six engine, fed by a single SU carburetor and featuring a distinctive six-branch exhaust manifold that produces the characteristic sound of vintage performance machinery. The driving experience is further enhanced by an ENV 75 four-speed Wilson pre-selector transmission, providing a unique connection to motoring's golden age.
Inside the two-seat cabin, enthusiasts will find a Bluemels Brooklands sprung steering wheel, comprehensive instrumentation, and a prominent six-inch Jaeger tachometer that reflects the car's competition heritage. Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the vehicle as "an extraordinary fusion of racing heritage, engineering craftsmanship, and pure driving exhilaration" that belongs equally in concours exhibitions and on racetracks.
This acquisition represents significant value for automotive historians and enthusiasts, as it offers access to the spirit and engineering of the Mille Miglia without the seven-figure price tag typically associated with factory K3 models. The vehicle's extensive racing history in Europe and meticulous restoration make it a compelling example of how historical preservation and performance can coexist. Visitors can view this important piece of automotive history at the museum's North Fort Worth location at 2550 McMillan Parkway, with additional information available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
